Arson suspected in Central Park fire

A late night fire that damaged the deck around the Central Park oak tree. The cause is under investigation. Sue Cockrell/Enterprise photo

A favorite Central Park gathering spot was damaged Sunday night by a suspected arson fire, according to the Davis Fire Department.

Crews were dispatched at about 8:40 p.m. to a report of a small fire on the park bench that surrounds an oak tree at the downtown park. The fire was quickly extinguished, but firefighters had to cut open the attached deck with a chain saw in order to make sure the blaze was fully extinguished, department spokeswoman Evelyn George said.

Damage to the property was estimated at $10,000. The area has been blocked off to the public pending repairs to the bench and deck.